Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-17

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

 

The diagram below shows how a biofuel called ethanol is produced.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Student answer (Band 6.5)

The process chart depicts various stages involved in the production of a biofuel known as ethanol.

Overall, it is evident that, the process comprises numerous stages, commencing with the growth of plants and trees in nature and culminating in transporting ethanol to all complaint automobiles.

Firstly, the plants and trees are grown in nature with the help of energy components such as sunlight and carbon dioxide. Secondly, the vegetation is reaped and sent for pre-processing, where the cellulose are produced and delivered for the processing.

Subsequently, sugar is processed out from the crops and microbes are added to the extracted sugars. This addition triggers a biological reaction that finally yields the ethanol biofuel. Once the production is complete, the ethanol is distributed to power various modes of transportation such as cars, trucks, and airplanes. Finally, as these vehicles consume the fuel, they emit carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. This emitted gas is then reabsorbed by growing plants and trees, thereby completing the continuous, renewable cyle.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main stages of the ethanol production process. You have provided a clear overview and followed the sequence logically from the growth of plants to the final consumption and recycling of carbon dioxide. The key features, such as the biological reaction and the distribution of fuel, are well-covered. To reach a higher band, ensure that you explicitly mention the specific inputs and outputs shown in the diagram, such as the 'fermentation' stage or the specific role of 'yeast' if implied, to provide a more detailed summary of the technical process.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow the chronological order of the process. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Subsequently', and 'Finally' helps guide the reader through the stages effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction/overview from the detailed process description. The flow is smooth, and the relationship between the stages is clearly established, particularly in the final paragraph where you link the consumption of fuel back to the start of the cycle.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a process description, using terms like 'biological reaction', 'extracted', and 'renewable'. There are some minor inaccuracies, such as 'complaint automobiles' (likely a typo for 'compliant' or 'various') and 'cellulose are produced' (subject-verb agreement error). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the process clearly, incorporating more precise technical terminology related to the diagram would enhance the sophistication of your writing and help you achieve a higher score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most sentences are clear and easy to follow. However, there are a few grammatical slips, such as 'the cellulose are produced' (should be 'is') and 'cyle' (spelling error). Additionally, the phrase 'all complaint automobiles' is grammatically awkward. Despite these minor errors, your control of grammar is generally good, and the meaning is never obscured. To improve, focus on proofreading for subject-verb agreement and minor spelling mistakes.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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